Easy Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
These Easy Banana Bars with Brown Butter are a moist and flavorful treat featuring ripe bananas incorporated into a tender batter, baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich, nutty brown butter frosting. Perfect as a simple dessert or snack, this recipe elevates classic banana bars with the delicious depth of brown butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars (approximately 3x3 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 cup (about 2) very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Brown Butter Frosting
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, overlapping pieces so the edges hang over the sides, which helps in easily removing the bars later.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, beat sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and egg together until creamy and well combined. Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Let the bars cool slightly in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then use the parchment paper edges to lift them out onto a wire rack or flat surface.
- Prepare Brown Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until it browns and toasty brown bits form, giving it a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl.
- Make Frosting: Whisk the browned butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk gradually until you reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the bars while they are still slightly warm; this soft, slightly melty texture enhances the flavor and texture.
Notes
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a slight tang and moisture.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
- Allow the brown butter to cool slightly before mixing to avoid melting the powdered sugar prematurely.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Keywords: banana bars, brown butter frosting, easy dessert, banana dessert, homemade bars, quick banana recipe, baked banana bars
